Silversands Brings A New Level Of Luxury to Grenada

The first thing you see straight through the lobby of the new Silversands Grenada Resort is the stunning, 330-foot pool. Its infinity edge goes all the way out appearing to descend into the turquoise blue sea. This highly anticipated $125 million property that debuted in December is the brainchild of Egyptian billionaire businessman Naguib Sawiris. The telecom tycoon intends to bring a new level of luxury to the laid-back Caribbean ‘Spice Island,’ and attract more high-end travelers with Silversands - already a member of Leading Hotels of the World.www.silversandsgrenada.com

The luxe resort is situated on the northern end of inviting Grand Anse Beach, a pristine two-mile stretch of soft golden sand. Forty three guest rooms, suites and 9 villas (hillside and beachfront) done in a modern minimalist style with a beige and white color scheme bring a new look to this picturesque island of colorful houses and spices aplenty. Culinary Director Jean-Louis Brocardi who hails from Marseille explains, “We don’t want to be like everyone else.“ He compares Silversands to Nikki Beach (referring to the happening beach club/party scene hotels with beautiful people that originated on France’s Cote d’Azur). To this end, a collection of international music curated by a St. Tropez DJ plays throughout the resort. During my recent visit, Silversands indeed had a young fashionable crowd at their open-air venues on weekend evenings and the Friday night party with delightful Rosé cocktails and dance music at the lounge fronting the beach, was hopping.

Sleek, high tech rooms and suites in two three-story buildings contain spacious bathrooms with tubs and showers as well as balconies with daybeds. If you want a view of the ocean you have to be on the top floor. Rooms on the first and second stories have views of the rear of the building that houses the Grenadian Grill. For unobstructed water views with direct beach access, guests can rent one of the five pricey expansive beachfront four bedroom villas with indoor and outdoor living spaces including their own infinity pool. ($12,000 per night in low season, $16,000 in high) As for the cuisine: Asiatique serves pan-Asian dishes while the beachfront Grenadian Grill delivers superb steak, outstanding ribs with nutmeg and rum barbecue sauce, catch of the day, lobster, ceviche, crab cakes and more. The impressively long pool feels more like a place to loll and pose but you’ll definitely get a good work out if you swim some lengths of the lap. For ocean enthusiasts, the water sports center on the beach provides complimentary kayaks, stand-up paddleboards and a motorized dinghy to take guests out to snorkel along the coral. And the glam spa offers pampering treatments amid a serene ambiance.

See The SightsTo take in the local color and explore this charming island with friendly people, Grenadian born Roger Augustine, owner of Ambassador Tours & Taxi, a veteran of Grenada Tourism, is simply the best. Take a tour to stroll through the spice and vegetable markets in the heart of St. George - Grenada’s pretty capital set on a horseshoe shaped harbor, walk along the Carenage, the quaint and lively waterfront promenade lined with boutiques and cafes, visit the lush countryside rich with exotic foliage and tropical blooms, hike scenic Concord Waterfall and take a refreshing dip - be sure to check out the artist’s stalls, enjoy some fantastic Grenadian cuisine at local eateries such as Coconut Beach (next to Silversands) and BB’s Crabback acclaimed for the scrumptious lobster and crabs baked with herbs. In addition to creative, authentic island itineraries, restaurant recommendations and taxi service, Ambassador Tours also provides nightlife experiences. www.473ambassadortours.com The sunset sail was a highlight. Leaving from Port Louis Marina, I hopped aboard Savvy Sailing Adventure’s locally built new, beautiful 73-foot wooden Carriacou schooner Jambalaya. The sailboat charter company also runs full and half day cruises on their schooners and sloops. Gazing at the dreamy water and golden sunset while tasting local rums and chocolates - was unforgettable. www.sailingsavvy.comFor information on Grenada, visit the website www.puregrenada.com

Secluded Luxury in the Grenadines

Not to be outdone by its neighbors 30 miles to the south, Palm Island Resort in the Grenadines is a truly unique private island all-inclusive experience. Palm Island is just one of the stunningly beautiful, peaceful islands in the Grenadines, stretching between St. Vincent and Grenada. With Bequia, the largest island, to the north, Palm Island is about ten minutes away from Union Island, the main local commercial center and transfer hub. Other neighboring islands include the Tobago Cays and Mustique.

Palm Island Resort - An Elite Island ResortThis is a truly perfect romantic island hideaway. The exclusive resort is predominantly adults-only, welcoming guests over sixteen. An award winning, luxe 135-acre oasis, this palm-studded resort island offers peace and tranquility, along with five dazzling white-sand beaches, a calm aquamarine sea for swimming and water sports, nature trails for quiet walks, a pool with waterfall, sophisticated dining, impeccable service, and exquisite accommodations. Picture-perfect Casuarina Beach runs the entire length of the western side of the island. Choose a beachfront room, a palm-view room in the garden, a huge Seagrape suite (both ideal for families), or a remote island loft set on stilts that overlooks the sea. The beachfront rooms have wooden louvered windows (with screens) on three walls to catch every breeze. A pair of two-bedroom private villas-perfect for two couples vacationing together-are spacious, secluded, and modern. They come with their own golf cart and a lightly stocked kitchen (the all-inclusive meal plan applies). The Royal Palm dining room, for guests only, offers a varied menu; the Sunset Grill and Bar near the dock serves seafood, light fare, and drinks and is open to the public for lunch and for dinner by reservation only. Lunch can be delivered to a secluded picnic site with hammocks and an ocean view. Rent the resort’s own Pink Lady sloop or hop on the party-size catamaran to the Tobago Cays and Mayreau for snorkeling and a beach lunch or a sunset champagne cruise (winter only). Other activities include paddle boarding, snorkeling, kayaking. Or, do nothing and enjoy the serenity of this private island escape.Visit: www.palmislandresortgrenadines.com